RISE (Representation, Inclusion, & Support for Employment) seeks to build a more equitable and inclusive theatre industry by centralizing DEIA tools and resources through a network of partners and a national personnel directory that focuses on folks from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, deaf, and disabled theatre professionals.
RISE Theatre is a program of Maestra Music.
Our network partners are hosting some great events this month, including training opportunities, studio space, new play readings, and more. Check out what’s On the RISE this August in the RISE Theatre Network. If you want to stay in the know, check out risetheatre.org.
Ice Cream Social a Sweet Success
Last week, Maestra and the Broadway Women’s Alliance co-hosted an ice cream social, bringing our two organizations together as we continue amplifying women and nonbinary representation on Broadway.
The event was met with high attendance and enthusiastic conversations over ice cream. For the frozen treats served, we were excited to partner with Urban Dessert Lab (UDL), a NYC-based, Black woman-owned business that stands out for its creative, artisanal flavors and commitment to quality and sustainability. As the world's first oat milk ice cream shop, UDL’s unique offerings have garnered a dedicated following, and we were honored to feature their delicious vegan “ice crème” at our event.
Thank you to the Broadway Women’s Alliance for co-hosting the event with us and Greenwich House Music School for lending us their space!
Calling All Theatre Makers for Change Agent Training
Friday, August 9th - 10AM - 2PM
ART/NY Studios 520 8th Avenue #319, NYC
Calling all theatre makers who are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive industry! Participants of all demographics with various levels of experience in the theater industry are welcome to Change Agent Training, co-produced with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC). Change Agent Training has found a new home at Theatre Advocacy Project and will be transitioning from Broadway Advocacy Coalition over the next few months. This is a free workshop and lunch will be provided. Spots are limited. RSVP here.
TAP: Building Safe & Equitable Theatre Culture
Monday, August 12 - 11AM - 12PM EST
Virtual
Join Theatre Advocacy Project (TAP) for an introductory workshop focused on creating a safe and equitable theatre culture. This one hour class provides artists and theatre professionals an opportunity to learn more about HR and DEI in the arts, and more resources available to them through TAP. Topics covered include: courageous space agreements, social identity, intersectionality, and resources for de-escalating incidents of harm.
Beyond the Stage Door Applications Open October 1st
Applications due November 4th
Program March 16 - 22nd, 2025
Are you a BIPOC college junior/senior or professional new to the industry who is ready to take the next step in your journey to becoming a Stage, Company, or General Manager? Apply to Beyond the Stage Door’s intensive educational program now! All chosen applicants will be invited to a no-cost immersive week in NYC to experience Broadway first-hand and learn from industry professionals. Beyond the Stage Door provides fully furnished housing, roundtrip airfare from point of origin, food and transportation stipend, tickets to Broadway shows, social and networking opportunities, and educational intensives and workshops.
Upcoming Reading
August 28 - 29 at 7:30PM
The Maker’s Studio, Chelsea Market NYC
Parity Productions will present a reading of the 2023 Parity Development Award-Winning Play Cuntboy & Dickgirl (Or: Biology Play) by Reid Pope (they/them) and directed by Jaye Hunt (they/them) at the Maker’s Studio at Chelsea Market. Tickets to the reading are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit https://www.risetheatre.org/ or create a profile for the RISE Theatre Directory and join the community.